by Croft, Sky
“Maybe,” Amber allowed. “Let’s hope she doesn’t hear those rumors then.”
“And she’s still settling in, Amber. Don’t forget what she’s been through recently.” Blake remembered what Shale had told her about the day they’d lost their tribe, and her heart ached for them both.
“You’re right. It’s just...I really like her, Blake.”
Blake nodded, she could tell. And even though Kale was being awful toward her, Blake sincerely hoped that things worked out between them.
KALE WAITED UNTIL Blake had descended the cabin steps before making her way inside. She immediately took note of her surroundings, taking in the clean and snug cabin with a keen eye. “I see that you’re being well taken care of.”
“Sure am.”
“Don’t go getting spoiled on me.”
Shale patted the bed, and Kale sat beside her. “I’ll try my best.” She enfolded Kale in a tight hug.
“I’m sorry we fought,” Kale said, her arms squeezing Shale in an effort to convey her regret.
“It’s forgotten.”
“Take a look at this,” Shale said excitedly when they parted. She pushed the blanket away, revealing her grossly swollen knee.
Kale’s eyebrows rose. “I’m impressed.” She examined it from all sides. “Colorful, too. You definitely win on sparring wounds.”
That was another competition of theirs. Shale had now beaten Kale for the worst sparring injury, but Kale held the record for the worst injury received in battle—a short sword into her lower back that had near fatal consequences.
Shale grinned. “Are you managing all right without me?” she asked cockily.
“More food. Now I don’t have to share,” Kale quipped.
“You’ll have to watch your figure.”
Kale snorted in amusement. “You’re the one being pampered.”
Shale chuckled, then grew serious. “Is Melaina giving you any trouble? I don’t like to think of you out there alone with her.”
“She hasn’t had the chance, I’m usually with Amber.”
Shale smiled. “She’s a good friend.”
“She is,” Kale said. “That reminds me, Anikett and Lathana were asking after you.”
Shale looked surprised. “Really? Well maybe we have made some friends after all.”
Kale sniggered. “Who knew?” She suddenly slapped Shale’s arm.
“What was that for?”
“No one will spar with me at all now, they all want to spar with you.”
“How come?”
“You’re the twin who stops ribs from being broken, and I’m the twin who cracks knees,” Kale said. “They can’t remember our names, but they can remember that.”
Shale laughed heartily.
“It’s not funny,” Kale moaned, though her eyes sparkled in merriment.
“Technically, you didn’t crack my knee.”
Kale gestured to outside. “Tell that to them. They don’t believe me.”
“I will when I’m up and about.”
“So are you staying here for a few more nights?”
A slight pause. “I’m not sure yet. I’ll have to check with Blake.”
Kale’s mouth clicked shut, biting off the retort before it emerged. Once her temper was in check, she spoke up, “Let me know if it changes, I’ll come and get you.”
Shale smiled at Kale’s effort to keep the peace. “I will.”
Chapter Six
SHALE SLOWLY FLEXED her knee, it felt a lot better. Blake was right, the extra comfort of the cabin was helping the injury to heal faster, though Shale suspected a lot of it had to do with Blake’s near constant care.
It had been four days since her injury, and she’d hardly moved from Blake’s bed. Blake popped in and out during the day, whenever she could, bringing Shale story scrolls to keep her occupied.
Shale was astounded by Blake’s never-ending kindness. She had even told Kale she was welcome to visit anytime, though Kale only did so when Blake wasn’t present.
Shale could tell Kale didn’t approve of her staying with Blake, but mercifully she hadn’t yet raised the topic.
She got out of bed and walked around the cabin. Her leg hurt, but it was bearable. Decision made, she put on her boots and ventured outside, heading straight for the training ground. Shale certainly wasn’t up to sparring, but she intended to watch.
A pleased smile formed as she spotted Kale sparring with Amber. She wondered whether Kale was even conscious of her attraction toward the woman. She knew Kale restrained herself against such feelings. Since Aeron, Kale wasn’t interested in another relationship.
Kale suddenly looked up, her sharp eyes immediately finding Shale. She jogged over, a grin on her face. “I see you’ve escaped.”
“I wanted to make sure you’re not losing your fighting edge without me around to kick your ass.”
Kale chuckled. “As if.” She embraced Shale warmly. When they pulled apart, Kale glanced down to Shale’s knee. “How’s it feel?”
“Still hurts, but it’s not too bad.”
Kale nodded. “You don’t want to stand on it too long. Come over here and I’ll find you a seat.” A smirk appeared. “Do you want me to carry you again?”
Shale punched her arm playfully. “No, I can manage.”
“Good, ‘cause I nearly collapsed last time. What have you been eating?” Kale laughed when she received another punch, this one much harder. Despite her teasing banter, Kale still wrapped a supporting arm around Shale’s waist to help her.
“Hi, Shale,” Amber greeted as they approached. “How’s your knee?”
“Better, thanks.” Shale noticed that Kale was scanning the area, presumably for something for her to sit on. “It’s been cleared,” she said. “Just set me down on the ground.”
“I can fetch you a chair if you want?” Amber offered.
Shale shook her head, not wanting to be a bother. “I’ll be fine on the ground.”
Kale chose a good spot for her to watch from. It was close enough to get a good view, while being far enough to not be in anyone’s way.
Once Kale and Amber began their sparring, it didn’t take long for Melaina to come over. She planted her bulkier form down next to Shale’s.
“I heard about your leg.” Melaina examined it with a cold eye. “Used it to full effect though, didn’t you?”
Shale looked at her in puzzlement. “What are you talking about, Melaina?”
“You and the princess. It didn’t take you long to work your way into her bedroom, did it?”
Bloody Amazons and their gossip. “I did no such thing,” Shale said.
“Now if I’d known all I had to do was play on Blake’s sympathy, I’d have done it years ago.”
“That’s not what happened.”
Melaina leaned closer. “So come on, Amazon to Amazon, what was Blake like? Is she as good as she looks?”
Shale’s temper snapped, and she grabbed Melaina roughly by her arm. “Now you listen to me, you need to get over this, Melaina, I’m warning you. And if I ever hear of you referring to Blake like that again, you’ll be sorry. Do I make myself clear?”
“You’re threatening me? In your condition?” Melaina laughed, but it was devoid of humor. “Defending your lover’s honor, how noble.”
“What’s going on?” Kale said, suddenly beside them.
Melaina yanked her arm free of Shale’s grip and stood, facing off directly against Kale.
Unfortunately, Shale noted, Amber had stayed where she was, so Melaina was free to say whatever she liked.
“I just don’t see it myself.” Melaina appraised one twin, and then the other. “Blake must be attracted to leadership, that’s all I can say. Then again, I’d have thought she would’ve chosen someone more competent.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kale’s voice rose in anger, attracting several Amazons’, including Aris’s, attention.
Shale started to get to her feet, intending to get between
them before things got out of control.
“Your entire tribe is dead,” Melaina goaded. “Clearly you weren’t very good at leading.”
Kale struck Melaina hard, flattening her with one punch.
Shale, who had finally managed to stand, kept Kale from pouncing on Melaina and continuing her attack.
Melaina smiled arrogantly at them from her position on the ground.
Shale swallowed. Kale had just played right into her hands. This was bad. She saw Aris striding over, with many warriors in tow. This was really bad.
“WHAT IN HADES is going on?” Aris demanded.
Melaina was all too eager to point out what happened. “She struck me!”
Kale glowered at her. “Melaina insulted us.”
Shale’s eyes narrowed as Melaina made a show of getting up, so much so that Aris actually helped her. Shale had to applaud Melaina for her cunning, as a stoic warrior who didn’t usually show weakness, Aris was taken in completely by her act.
Melaina’s nose was gushing blood, and Shale bit her lip to hold back a smirk. Kale had a wicked punch.
Aris glared disapprovingly at Kale. “So you hit her? That’s unacceptable, Kale. I can’t have my warriors beating each other. I don’t know what your problem is with Melaina, but I won’t have it. I warned you the first time, now you’ll have to be punished.” She pointed to the stake at the far end of the training ground. “Take her,” Aris ordered. “Don’t resist, Kale. It will only make things worse.”
Two warriors took firm hold of Kale. She went with them reluctantly, but didn’t put up a fight.
Shale tried to stop Kale from being taken, and had to be held back. “Aris, don’t do this,” she begged. “Please.”
Aris showed genuine regret. “I’m sorry, Shale, but Kale’s behaviour cannot go unchecked.”
Shale watched desperately as Kale was tied to the stake. Her blood boiled at the injustice of the situation, and Melaina’s smug face sent her over the edge. “I won’t let you touch her!” Shale shoved the nearest warriors away from her. She got into her fighting stance.
“Shale, don’t!” Kale yelled.
“Keep her back,” Aris said, then turned to Melaina and lowered her voice. “Shale did nothing wrong, use restraint only.” She headed for Kale, leaving Melaina in charge.
Shale knew Aris would be the one to deliver the lashes, and didn’t wait a moment longer. She attacked, taking several Amazons down with quick jabs and punches. She pulled her blows though, not wanting to really hurt them. After all, they were just following orders. She also knew that her kindness wouldn’t be repaid, they wouldn’t be as gentle with her.
“Get her!” Melaina shouted, failing to mention that they were only meant to restrain Shale.
AS SOON AS Amber realised Kale was going to be flogged, she set off to find Blake, using the commotion for cover. She knew Kale was hot-tempered. She didn’t hear the exchange between Kale and Melaina, but she suspected more was going on. She wasn’t about to stand by and let Kale be whipped.
Unfortunately, Blake wasn’t in her cabin. Amber sprinted toward the main lodge, praying that she was inside. She burst in, her state of urgency overruling common protocols.
“Amber? What’s wrong?”
“Blake, come quickly. Kale’s in trouble.”
Blake didn’t hesitate. “Excuse me,” she said to the counsel members before hurriedly leaving the lodge.
The princess running through the village caused quite a commotion, and the look on Blake’s face told the Amazons it was something serious.
If Blake were to glance over her shoulder, she would find most of the village following in her wake.
SHALE DEALT WITH the less capable warriors quickly, even with her bad knee, and was soon only surrounded by the five women left standing.
Unfortunately, these were the best fighters, and Shale doubted that she could beat them all at once if she was healthy, let alone with her leg in such a state.
Melaina grinned at her, she was loving every moment of this.
Anataeus lunged at Shale, who dodged and threw her into Lathana, sending them both toppling to the ground.
A foot grazed Shale’s shoulder as she tried to twist her body out of the way of a kick, then she delivered a back fist that connected solidly with the side of the culprit’s head.
Melaina waited for her ideal opportunity, then struck, lashing out with a side kick to Shale’s weak spot—her injured knee.
Shale cried out in agony at the blow, a bolt of fire coursing through her entire leg. She heard Kale yelling her name as she fell, and wondered if Kale’s punishment had already begun.
Melaina gave Shale a swift kick to her ribs, the force flipping Shale onto her back. Melaina pressed her knee into Shale’s chest to hold her in position, and repeatedly struck her in the face.
“She’s down,” Lathana protested, sharing disturbed looks with the others. When the second in command didn’t desist, Lathana forcibly pushed her off Shale. “Melaina!”
Shale greedily gulped in air. Melaina’s weight on her chest had made it difficult to breathe.
Melaina glowered at Lathana. “And now she’ll stay down.”
Lathana didn’t reply, knowing better than to argue with Melaina.
“On her front,” Melaina ordered the warriors. “I want her to see her precious twin as she’s flogged.”
Shale spat out a mouthful of blood in Melaina’s direction. She struggled as much as she could, but was soon face down in the dirt.
Melaina grabbed Shale’s hair, pulled her head back, and forced her to watch as Aris raised the leather whip overhead.
“I order you to stop this right now!” Blake’s authoritative command rang through the air. Everyone halted, even the wind had a sudden lull.
Shale closed her eyes in relief. She knew Blake would sort this out. Shale trusted her implicitly.
Amber, who had arrived with Blake, went to stand beside Kale at the stake.
Blake walked purposefully over to Aris, looking at her expectantly for answers. “What’s happening here?”
“With all due respect, Princess, the situation’s being taken care of,” Aris said. “These are my warriors, and I will deal with them.”
“I’m overruling you,” Blake said firmly, and all so simply, she took control. “Now tell me why Kale is about to be flogged.”
“She struck Melaina. I can’t let that go unpunished.”
Blake’s green eyes landed on Melaina unflinchingly. “Why did Kale strike her?”
“I believe Melaina insulted them,” Aris said
“And I’m assuming Shale tried to stop you, and that’s why she’s restrained?”
“Yes, Princess.”
Blake moved toward Shale, with Aris keeping pace beside her.
“Get her up,” Blake instructed.
Melaina and Anataeus hauled Shale up roughly, and Shale tried to take the weight off her left leg, which was throbbing painfully. Melaina was having none of it, pulling Shale onto her bad leg and keeping her there with a firm grip.
Shale knew what Melaina expected, what she wanted to happen, but Shale would be damned if she’d give in that easily. If she lashed out as Melaina intended, Blake would be put into a position where she had no choice but to punish her, or she would appear weak. Melaina was clever, using her own warrior’s pride against her, knowing Shale would never willingly ask for mercy.
Blake’s face hardened when she got a good look at Shale, her head snapping to the side to regard Aris. “Did you order her beaten?” she asked in a clipped tone.
“I did not.” Aris glared at Melaina. “You were only supposed to restrain her!”
The warriors gave Melaina mixed looks at that knowledge— surprise, anger, and betrayal. Lathana in particular seemed distressed, honest remorse evident on her features.
Aris’s jaw clenched. “You didn’t tell them, did you?”
“She put up a fight,” Melaina said. “You’ve seen how dangerous she is. We h
ad to stop her.”
“You’re right. Shale is lethal.” Blake looked each of the warriors over. “So how come you’re all virtually unscathed, and she can barely stand?” Blake paused, her fury evident. “If she wanted you dead, you would be!” Her voice rose on each word. Blake stepped forward, getting into Melaina’s personal space, taking in her heavily bleeding nose with little sympathy. “Don’t lie to me, Melaina, or you’ll be joining Kale on the stake.”
Shale was impressed. From this close distance, she could see the fierce glint in Blake’s usually warm eyes, and Shale was glad she wasn’t on the receiving end of her glare. But in spite of that, she still found herself thinking about how beautiful Blake was.
She also realised how patient Blake had been toward Kale, Blake didn’t allow anyone else to talk to her with such disrespect. Shale was incredibly grateful to Blake for that, and wondered idly why she had done it.
The pain in her knee was starting to get to her, and if things took much longer, Shale might have to give Melaina her wish. As if hearing her thoughts, Blake’s steel gaze locked onto hers, and it softened almost instantly.
“Shale?”
“Yes, Princess?” Shale responded dutifully, giving Blake the respect she deserved. Though Blake was her friend, and requested she call her by her birth name, Blake was also her leader, and that’s who Shale was talking to now.
To a simple observer, Shale’s demeanour indicated she was unharmed. If it wasn’t for the blood, or the bruising that was starting to appear, most wouldn’t have even known she’d been in a fight. Shale was composed and dignified, standing tall. Only the slight furrowing of her eyebrows betrayed that she was in pain.
Blake examined her closely for a moment. “Release her,” she told the warriors who were holding Shale in place.
Anataeus stepped well back, looking relieved to be out of the firing line. Melaina let go, but barely moved.
Now free, Shale shifted her weight off her bad leg, though she was careful to do it slowly, not wanting to startle any of the nearby warriors into action.